Container lid

ABSTRACT

A lid configured for use with a fluid container is provided. The lid includes a body member including an outer periphery configured to couple to a rim of a fluid container. The body member includes a pair of apertures extending therethrough. A valve operably coupled to an interior surface of the body member includes a pair of protuberances configured to selectively engage the pair of apertures. The pair of protuberances configured such that depression of one protuberances moves the pair of protuberances out of sealed engagement with the pair of apertures for dispensing a fluid contained within the fluid container.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a container lid and, moreparticularly, a container lid configured for sealable coupling with anopen top of a fluid supporting container such as a beverage cup.

BACKGROUND

It has long been known in the prior art to enclose a container such as acup with a lid selectively mounted to a rim of the cup. For example,lift-tabs or the like may be utilized to provide an opening in the lidfor dispensing fluid contained within the cup. The lift-tab is typicallyperforated to allow a user to fold the lift-tab and secure the lift-tabto a corresponding protuberance provided on a top surface of the lid.However, one problem associated with the lift-tab type lids is that theyare not resealable after having been folded.

In comparison, known resealable container lids typically include complexmechanical mechanisms that are often an assembly of several distinctelements. As such, the known resealable container lids can bemechanically complicated, difficult to use, and/or are relativelyexpensive to manufacture.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a lid configured for usewith a fluid container. The lid includes a body member including anouter periphery configured to couple to a rim of a fluid container. Thebody member defines a pair of apertures that extend through the bodymember. The body member may be detachably couplable to the fluidcontainer. A valve operably coupled to an interior/bottom surface of thebody member includes a pair of protuberances that are configured toselectively engage the pair of apertures. Each protuberance is inregistration with one of the pair of apertures. Depression of one of theprotuberances moves the pair of protuberances out of sealed engagementwith the pair of apertures for dispensing fluid contained within thefluid container. The pair of protuberances may be in verticalregistration with the pair of apertures so as to extend parallel to alongitudinal axis that is defined through the fluid container.

The valve may include a generally elliptical configuration that has sideportions at opposite ends of a major axis defined through the valve andtop and bottom portions at opposite ends of a minor axis defined throughthe valve. The side portions of the valve may be configured to flex as aresult of depressing one or both of the pair of protuberances to enablethe pair of protuberances to be spring loaded and to form a fluid tightseal with surfaces of the body member when the pair of protuberances arepositioned within the pair of apertures. The top portion of the valvemay be thinner and/or thicker than the bottom portion to provide thevalve with a suitable flexibility. In embodiments, the top portion ofthe valve may be spaced apart from the interior surface of the bodymember to facilitate a sealed engagement between the pair ofprotuberances and the apertures when the valve is coupled to theinterior surface of the body member. In certain embodiments, the topportion of the valve may be configured to rest on the interior surfaceof the body member.

A mounting bracket may be operably coupled to the interior surface ofthe body member. The mounting bracket contacts the bottom portion of thevalve to couple the valve to the interior surface of the body membersuch that both protuberances are depressible for dispensing fluidthrough one or both of the pair of apertures. Alternatively, themounting bracket may be operably coupled to the interior surface of thebody member and in contact with the bottom portion of the valve tocouple the valve to the interior surface of the body member such thatone of the protuberances is depressible for dispensing a fluid from theaperture in registration with the other protuberance. The mountingbracket may be mechanically coupled to the lid, for example, via atleast one biocompatible adhesive. In embodiments, the mounting bracketmay be integrally formed with the body member.

Each of the apertures may be provided in a corresponding recess providedon the body member of each lid. In embodiments, the correspondingrecesses and/or apertures are positioned on the body member in adiametrically opposite relationship relative to one another. Thecorresponding recesses may be configured to receive a corresponding oneof the pair of protuberances therein so as to allow depression thereofby the user. The corresponding recesses may have a generallycircumferential configuration. Additionally, a generally elongatedrecess may be provided on the body member and positioned between thepair of corresponding recesses so as to allow stacking of a plurality oflids and to save space. In embodiments, the generally elongated recessis configured to enable adjacently stacked lids to be radially offset,for example, approximately 90 degrees.

According to one aspect, the lid includes a body member including anouter periphery configured to couple to a rim of a fluid container. Thebody member defines a pair of apertures extending through the bodymember. The body member may be detachably couplable to the fluidcontainer. A valve operably couples to an interior surface of the bodymember and includes a pair of depressible protuberances disposed inselective sealed engagement with the pair of apertures so as to preventdispensing of a fluid from the fluid container. A mounting bracketoperably couples to an interior surface of the body member and isconfigured to couple the valve to the body member. The pair ofprotuberances is configured such that depression of one of the pair ofprotuberances moves the pair of protuberances out of sealed engagementwith the pair of apertures for dispensing a fluid of the fluidcontainer. Each of the pair of protuberances may be in verticalregistration with one of the pair of apertures so as to extend parallelto a longitudinal axis that is defined through the fluid container.

The valve may include a generally elliptical configuration that has sideportions at opposite ends of a major axis defined through the valve andtop and bottom portions at opposite ends of a minor axis defined throughthe valve. The side portions of the valve may be configured to flex as aresult of depressing one or both of the pair of protuberances to enablethe pair of protuberances to be spring loaded and to form a fluid tightseal with surfaces of the body member when the pair of protuberances arepositioned within the pair of apertures. The top portion of the valvemay be thinner and/or thicker than the bottom portion to provide thevalve with a suitable flexibility. In embodiments, the top portion ofthe valve may be spaced apart from the interior surface of the bodymember to facilitate a sealed engagement between the pair ofprotuberances and the apertures when the valve is coupled to theinterior surface of the body member. In certain embodiments, the topportion of the valve may be configured to rest on the interior surfaceof the body member.

A mounting bracket may be operably coupled to the interior surface ofthe body member and in contacting relationship with the bottom portionof the valve to couple the valve to the interior surface of the bodymember such that both protuberances are depressible for dispensing afluid from the aperture in registration with the other protuberance.Alternatively, the mounting bracket may be operably coupled to theinterior surface of the body member and in contacting relationship withthe bottom portion of the valve to couple the valve to the interiorsurface of the body member such that one of the protuberances isdepressible for dispensing a fluid from the aperture in registrationwith the other protuberance. The mounting bracket may be coupled to thelid via one or more biocompatible adhesives.

Each of the apertures may be provided in a corresponding recess providedon the body member. The corresponding recesses may be configured toreceive a corresponding one of the pair of protuberances therein so asto allow depression thereof by the user. The corresponding recesses mayhave a generally circumferential configuration. Additionally, agenerally elongated recess may be provided on the body member andpositioned between the pair of corresponding recesses so as to allowstacking of a plurality of lids.

Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from thedescription, drawings, and the claims

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelowwith references to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a user drinking from a fluid containerincluding a lid according to an embodiment of the instant disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the fluid container and lid depicted inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lid;

FIG. 4 is a top elevational view of the lid;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line segment F-F in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the lid with a valve of the lidbeing illustrated in an open configuration;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of the lid;

FIG. 8 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the lid illustrating thevalve shown in a closed configuration;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of the valve and amounting bracket of the lid;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of two lids in a stackedconfiguration; and

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of another lid according to anotherembodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the terms “proximal” or “trailing” refer to the portionof a structure that is closer to a user, while the terms “distal” or“leading” refer to the portion of a structure that is farther from theuser.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fluid container 2 that utilizes a lid4 according to an embodiment of the instant disclosure. In accordancewith the instant disclosure, the lid 4 allows a user to selectivelydispense a fluid “FL” from fluid container 2 while maintaining a sealedengagement therewith when not dispensing fluid “FL” to preventinadvertent spilling of the fluid “F.”

Fluid container 2 may be made from any suitable material including, butnot limited to, plastic, paper, glass, metal, ceramic, closed-cellextruded polystyrene foam, cardboard, etc. Although fluid container 2may have any suitable configuration, fluid container 2 is shown, forillustrative purposes, as a typical paper/cardboard cup utilized, forexample, by most restaurants, coffee houses, etc.

Fluid container 2 includes a generally cylindrical configuration havingan open top end 6 and closed bottom end 10 (FIG. 2). As appreciated,open top end 6 defines an opening 8. A flange or rim 12 extends along aperipheral edge that defines opening 8 and is configured to facilitatedetachable engagement between fluid container 2 and lid 4. It is withinthe purview of the present disclosure; however, that lid 4 may benon-detachably or fixedly secured to fluid container 4 and movable withrespect thereto from an open configuration for filling fluid container 2with one or more suitable fluids to a closed, sealed configuration forcontaining and selectively dispensing fluid “FL.” In this particularembodiment, one or more hinge configurations may be utilized to couplelid 4 to fluid container 2. Those skilled in the art will appreciateother coupling methods that may be utilized to couple lid 4 and fluidcontainer 2 to one another.

Referring to FIG. 3, lid 4 is illustrated. Lid 4 may be formed from anysuitable material, including the materials mentioned above with respectto fluid container 2. For illustrative purposes, lid 4 is shown formedfrom a relatively soft plastic. In some embodiments, however, lid 4 maybe made from a relatively hard plastic. As can be appreciated, in theformer instance, lid 4 may disposable, and in the latter instance, lid 4may be reusable, e.g., lid 4 may be used and, subsequently, cleaned forfuture use. In either instance, lid 4 provides a simple and convenientmethod for dispensing fluid from fluid container 2. Moreover, when fluid“FL” is not being dispensed from fluid container 2, lid 4 is in sealedengagement with fluid container 2 so as not to allow fluid “FL” toescape therefrom, i.e., fluid container 2 is spill proof under normaloperation, e.g., held by a user in a pre-dispensing configuration.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 3, lid 4 includes a body 14 ofsuitable configuration for attaching to fluid container 2. In theillustrated embodiment, body 14 is shown having a generallycircumferential configuration with an outer surface 16 including aplurality of recesses thereon. Specifically, a pair of opposing recesses20 a, 20 b (FIGS. 3-7) of any suitable configuration are formed on outersurface 16 and are configured to receive a portion of a finger of a usertherein. Recesses 20 a, 20 b are shown having a generallycircumferential configuration defined by sidewalls 22 a, 22 b and abottom wall 24 a, 24 b, respectively (FIGS. 3-7). Recesses 20 a, 20 bmay be utilized as a reservoir for dispensed fluid “FL” to preventinadvertent dribbling as fluid “FL” is being dispensed from apertures 26a, 26 b and into a user's mouth (see, e.g., FIG. 1). Moreover, anoptional, generally elongated recess 21 of suitable configuration may beprovided between recesses 20 a, 20 b. Recess 21 may be configured toallow stacking of lid 2, thereby facilitating packaging of lid 4, forexample, when lid 4 is purchased and sold in large quantities tovendors.

A pair of corresponding apertures 26 a, 26 b (FIGS. 6 and 8) of suitableconfiguration are defined through respective bottom walls 24 a, 24 b andare configured to selectively receive therein a pair of correspondingprotuberances 28 a, 28 b provided on a valve 30. Specifically, apertures26 a, 26 b include a generally circumferential configuration that isconfigured for sealed engagement with a generally conical surfaceprovided on corresponding protuberances 28 a, 28 b, see FIGS. 5-8 and 10for example. In this sealed engagement, fluid “FL” from fluid container2 is prevented from being dispensed therefrom.

In accordance with the instant disclosure, body 14 is formed with athickness of plastic that provides a suitable rigidity to body 14.Specifically, body 14 should have a thickness that prevents substantialdeformation thereof when lid 4 is manipulated by a user. Morespecifically, bottom walls 24 a, 24 b should be rigid or sturdy enoughso as not to deform when protuberances 28 a, 28 b are in sealedengagement with apertures 26 a, 26 b. As can be appreciated, if bottomwalls 24 a, 24 b are not sufficiently thick, there exists the likelihoodthat bottom walls 24 a, 24 b may deform when protuberances 28 a, 28 bare in a sealed engagement therewith, which, in turn, may result in aseal between protuberances 28 a, 28 b and apertures 26 a, 26 b becomingcompromised.

Referring to FIGS. 5-10, valve 30 couples to an interior surface 32 ofbody 14 and is configured to allow selective dispensing of fluid “FL”contained within fluid container 2 when lid 4 is coupled thereto. Withthis purpose in mind, valve 30 may be made from any suitablebiocompatible material (e.g., plastic) and includes a generallyelliptical configuration having side portions 34 a, 34 b at oppositeends of a major axis “B-B” defined through valve 30 and top and bottomportions 36 a, 36 b are disposed at opposite ends of a minor axis “C-C”defined through valve 30, as best seen in FIG. 9. Side portions 34 a, 34b are configured to flex as a result of depressing one or both ofprotuberances 28 a, 28 b. For example, when protuberance 28 a isdepressed and removed out of sealed engagement with aperture 26 a, valve30 flexes about side portion 34 a, which, in turn, causes protuberance28 b to move out of sealed engagement with aperture 26 b such that fluid“FL” can be dispensed from fluid container 2 through aperture 26 b, seeFIGS. 1 and 6. As can be appreciated, the same effect, with the obviousdifferences being taken into consideration, is achieved whenprotuberance 28 b is depressed. Further, in embodiments, although valve30 may be shown in some of the figures with only two opposing sideportions 34 a, 34 b, valve 30 may have any suitable number of sideportions. For example, the valve 30 may have three or more side portions(e.g., Y-shaped with 3 side portions, star-shaped with 5 side portions,etc.). Moreover, each of these side portions may have any number ofprotuberances that are movably disposed in registration with any numberof apertures defined within the body member of the lid at any number oflocations about the body member. Each side portion may be integrallyformed and/or mechanically coupled to one or more of the other sideportions by any suitable securement process such as welding, fastening,adhesive, etc.

In accordance with the instant disclosure, the depressed protuberanceprovides a vent that facilitates dispensing fluid from lid 4 through theopposing aperture. More particularly, for example, when protuberance 28a is depressed and fluid container 2 is tilted for dispensing fluidthrough aperture 26 b, aperture 26 a vents air therethrough, which, inturn, provides a smooth, steady flow of fluid “FL” through aperture 26 band across sidewall 22 b of recess 20 b (see FIG. 1).

Top portion 36 a of valve 30 may have any suitable thickness whencompared to bottom portion 36 b to provide valve 30 with any suitableflexibility sufficient to enable stable movement and selective sealingengagement of the protuberance(s) with the corresponding aperture(s).For example, top portion 36 a may be thicker than bottom portion 36 b tofacilitate movement of protuberances 28 a, 28 b into and/or out ofsealed engagement with apertures 26 a, 26 b when either of protuberances28 a, 28 b is depressed and/or released. In embodiments, top portion 36a is configured to be spaced from interior surface 32 of body member 4to facilitate a sealed engagement between protuberances 28 a, 28 b andapertures 26 a, 26 b when valve 30 is coupled to body 14 (FIGS. 5 and7). In certain embodiments, top portion 36 a is configured to engageand/or rest against the interior 32 of body member 4. Additionally, topportion 36 a may be slanted upwardly from valve 30 to ensure thatprotuberances 28 a, 28 b remain in sealed engagement with apertures 26a, 26 b when protuberances 28 a, 28 b are not depressed (see, e.g., FIG.9). The upward slanting of top portion 36 a may also facilitatemanufacturing.

As discussed above, bottom portion 36 b of valve 30 may have anysuitable thickness relative to top portion 36 a to provide suitableflexibility to valve 30 sufficient to enable stable movement andselective sealing engagement of the protuberance(s) with thecorresponding aperture(s). For example, bottom portion 36 b may bethinner than top portion 36 a to facilitate movement of protuberances 28a, 28 b into and/or out of sealed engagement with apertures 26 a, 26 bwhen either of protuberances 28 a, 28 b is depressed and/or released.Specifically, a mounting bracket 40 extends across a medial portion 38of bottom portion 36 b and is utilized to couple valve 30 to interiorsurface 32 of body 14. In the assembled configuration, medial portion 38is pressed towards interior surface 32 and forms two bowed portions 37a, 37 b that provide a suitable biasing force that is configured to biasprotuberances 28 a, 28 b into sealed engagement with apertures 26 a, 26b. In accordance with the instant disclosure, a balance (equilibrium)between a thickness of bottom walls 24 a, 24 b and a biasing forceprovided by bowed portions 37 a, 37 b is needed to ensure that thebiasing force of the bottom portion 36 b does not deform or otherwisealter the apertures 24 a, 24 b. As can be appreciated, such a balancemay be acquired via rudimentary calculations.

Mounting bracket 40 may take on any suitable configuration to achievethe purposes described herein (FIG. 9). In the illustrated embodiment,for example, mounting bracket 40 includes a “C” shape with two opposingflanges 42 a 42 b that are spaced apart from one another by a distancethat is slightly greater than a width of bottom portion 36 b. A pair ofsidewalls 44 a, 44 b extend from flanges 42 a, 42 b and meet a baseportion 46 that is configured to contact medial portion 38 of bottomportion 36 b. Flanges 42 a, 42 b may couple to interior surface 32 ofbody 14 via any suitable coupling methods, e.g., a biocompatibleadhesive or the like. In embodiments, such as, for example, when lid 4is reusable, an alternate type of mounting configuration may be utilizedfor securing valve 30 lid 4.

Protuberances 28 a, 28 b may include any suitable configurationincluding sides, or portions thereof, that are slanted at any suitableangle and/or sides, or portions thereof, that are not slanted (e.g.,perpendicular to body member). As noted above, protuberances 28 a, 28 bcan include a conical configuration to enable spill proof sealing whenthe sides of the protuberances are positioned in engagement with thesurfaces of the lid that define the apertures. As shown in FIG. 8, sidesK of protuberances 28 a, 28 b are angled to intersect at an angle “θ”relative to axis “D-D.” Angle “θ” may be any suitable angle, e.g., angle“θ” may range from between about 1 degree to about 90 degrees. Asappreciated, any of the dimensions of the protuberances, e.g., diameter,height, etc., may be arranged to accommodate different aperturediameters to provide selective sealing engagement of the outer surfaceof one or both of the protuberances 28 a, 28 b with one or both of theaperture 24 a, 24 b. For example, dimensions of the protuberance(s) canbe configured such that the protuberance(s) seal with the aperture(s) ata predetermined location L along sides K of the protuberance. Inembodiments, the outer surface of the protuberance(s) and the innersurfaces of the body member that define the aperture(s) form an annularseal at the location L.

In the illustrated embodiment, protuberances 28 a, 28 b have arelatively blunt tip 29 a, 29 b, see FIGS. 8-9. Alternatively,protuberances 28 a, 28 b may each include a blunt tip 29 a, 29 b that isergonomically configured to accommodate various finger sizes (see areaof detail “G” in FIG. 8 for example).

Protuberances 28 a, 28 b are configured such that depression of one ofthe protuberances, e.g., protuberance 28 a, moves both of protuberances28 a, 28 b out of sealed engagement with apertures 26 a, 26 b such thatfluid “FL” may be dispensed from fluid container 2, see FIG. 6. In anassembled configuration, protuberances 28 a, 28 b are in verticalregistration with apertures 26 a, 26 b so as to extend along an axis“D-D” that is parallel to a longitudinal axis “A-A” defined through lid2 (FIG. 10). It has been found that positioning protuberances 28 a, 28 bwithin apertures 26 a, 26 b in this fashion provides a tight sealtherebetween. In embodiments, however, protuberances 28 a, 28 b may bepositioned within apertures 26 a, 26 b so as to extend non-parallel tolongitudinal axis “A-A.”

Operation of fluid container 2 including a lid 4 is described herein.For illustrative purposes, it is assumed fluid “FL” has been previouslyprovided into fluid container 2 and lid 4 is secured thereto to form aseal around fluid container 2. Moreover, it is assumed thatprotuberances 28 a, 28 b are oriented parallel to axis “D-D.”

With lid 4 secured to fluid container 2, protuberances 28 a, 28 b are insealed engagement with apertures 26 a, 26 b so as to prevent inadvertentdispensing of the fluid “FL” from fluid container 2. To dispense fluid“FL” contained within fluid container 2, a user may depress one ofprotuberances 28 a, 28 b, e.g., protuberance 28 b. In doing so,protuberance 28 b moves out of sealed engagement with aperture 26 b,which, in turn, causes protuberance 28 a to move out of engagement withaperture 26 a (see FIG. 6 for example). Thereafter, a user may movefluid container 2 to a position for consuming the fluid “FL”, see FIG. 1for example.

The unique configuration of lid 4 including valve 30 overcomes theaforementioned drawbacks that are typically associated with conventionallids. That is, lid 4 is simple to operate and is relatively inexpensiveto manufacture when compared to conventional lids.

From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings,those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications canalso be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scopeof the same. For example, while lid 4 has been described herein asutilizing valve 30 that includes two protuberances 28 a, 28 b that maybe depressed for dispensing fluid “FL” from fluid container 2, otherconfigurations of valve 30 may also be utilized.

For example, with reference to FIG. 11, an alternative embodiment of thelid including a valve is illustrated and designated 104, 130,respectively. Lid 104 and valve 30 are substantially similar to lid 4and valve 30 and as such only those features unique to lid 104 and valve130 are described in detail.

Unlike valve 30, valve 130 includes a bottom portion 136 b that providesa suitable biasing force that is configured to bias protuberances 128 a,128 b into sealed engagement with corresponding apertures (notexplicitly shown in FIG. 11).

Moreover, mounting bracket 40 is replaced by a mounting bracket 140 thatis configured to mount valve 130 to an interior of lid 104. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, for example, mounting bracket 140 issecured to an interior surface of lid 104 by one or more suitablesecurement methods, e.g., an adhesive, and is configured to couple tobottom portion 136 b (e.g., by an adhesive).

Operation of lid 104 is similar to lid 4, unlike lid 4; however, onlyone of protuberances 128 a, 128 b are configured to dispense fluid “FL”from the fluid container. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11,protuberance 128 b is configured to dispense fluid “FL” from the fluidcontainer when protuberance 128 a is depressed. In accordance with theinstant disclosure, depressing protuberance 128 b does not causeprotuberance 128 a to move out of sealed engagement with thecorresponding aperture. Therefore, this embodiment only allowsdispensing of fluid “FL” on one side only.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the structures andmethods specifically described herein and illustrated in theaccompanying figures are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and thatthe description, disclosure, and figures should be construed merely asexemplary of particular embodiments. It is to be understood, therefore,that the present disclosure is not limited to the precise embodimentsdescribed, and that various other changes and modifications may beeffected by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope orspirit of the disclosure. Additionally, it is envisioned that theelements and features illustrated or described in connection with oneexemplary embodiment may be combined with the elements and features ofanother without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, andthat such modifications and variations are also intended to be includedwithin the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the subjectmatter of the present disclosure is not to be limited by what has beenparticularly shown and described.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lid configured for use with a fluid container,the lid comprising: a body member including an outer peripheryconfigured to couple to a rim of a fluid container, the body memberincluding a pair of apertures extending therethrough; and a valveoperably coupled to an interior surface of the body member and includinga pair of protuberances configured to selectively engage the pair ofapertures, wherein the pair of protuberances are configured such thatdepression of one protuberances moves the pair of protuberances out ofsealed engagement with the pair of apertures for dispensing a fluidcontained within the fluid container, each protuberance being disposedin registration with one of the pair of apertures.
 2. The lid accordingto claim 1, wherein the pair of protuberances is in verticalregistration with the pair of apertures so as to extend parallel to alongitudinal axis that is defined through the fluid container.
 3. Thelid according to claim 1, wherein the valve includes a generallyelliptical configuration having side portions at opposite ends of amajor axis defined through the valve and top and bottom portions atopposite ends of a minor axis defined through the valve.
 4. The lidaccording to claim 3, wherein the side portions of the valve areconfigured to flex as a result of depressing at least one of the pair ofprotuberances.
 5. The lid according to claim 3, wherein the thickness ofthe top portion of the valve is different from the thickness of thebottom portion to facilitate stable movement and flexibility of thevalve.
 6. The lid according to claim 3, wherein a mounting bracket isoperably coupled to the interior surface of the body member and contactsthe bottom portion of the valve to couple the valve to the interiorsurface of the body member such that both protuberances are depressiblefor dispensing the fluid through the aperture in registration with theother protuberance.
 7. The lid according to claim 3, wherein a mountingbracket is operably coupled to the interior surface of the body memberand contacts the bottom portion of the valve to couple the valve to theinterior surface of the body member such that one of the protuberancesis depressible for dispensing the fluid through the aperture inregistration with the other protuberance.
 8. The lid according to claim6, wherein the mounting bracket is coupled to the lid via at least onebiocompatible adhesive.
 9. The lid according to claim 6, wherein each ofthe apertures is provided in a corresponding recess provided on the bodymember and the corresponding recesses are configured to receive acorresponding one of the pair of protuberances therein so as to allowdepression thereof by the user.
 10. The lid according to claim 9,wherein the corresponding recesses have a generally circumferentialconfiguration.
 11. The lid according to claim 1, wherein a generallyelongated recess is provided on the body member and positioned betweenthe pair of corresponding recesses so as to allow stacking of aplurality of lids.
 12. A lid configured for use with a fluid container,the lid comprising: a body member including an outer peripheryconfigured to couple to a rim of a fluid container, the body memberincluding a pair of apertures extending therethrough; a valve operablycoupled to an interior surface of the body member and including a pairof depressible protuberances disposed in selective sealed engagementwith the pair of apertures so as to prevent dispensing of a fluidcontained within the fluid container; and a mounting bracket operablycoupled to an interior surface of the body member and configured tocouple the valve to the body member, wherein the pair of protuberancesare configured such that depression of one protuberance moves the pairof protuberances out of sealed engagement with the pair of apertures fordispensing the fluid contained within the fluid container, eachprotuberance being disposed in registration with one of the pair ofapertures.
 13. The lid according to claim 12, wherein the pair ofprotuberances is in vertical registration with the pair of apertures soas to extend parallel to a longitudinal axis that is defined through thefluid container.
 14. The lid according to claim 12, wherein the valveincludes a generally elliptical configuration having side portions atopposite ends of a major axis defined through the valve and top andbottom portions at opposite ends of a minor axis defined through thevalve.
 15. The lid according to claim 14, wherein the side portions ofthe valve are configured to flex as a result of depressing at least oneof the pair of protuberances and, wherein the top portion of the valveis thicker than the bottom portion to facilitate selective sealingengagement between the pair of protuberances and the apertures when thevalve is coupled to the body member.
 16. The lid according to claim 15,wherein each protuberance is in registration with one of the pair ofapertures, and wherein a mounting bracket is operably coupled to theinterior surface of the body member and contacts the bottom portion ofthe valve to couple the valve to the interior surface of the body membersuch that both protuberances are depressible for dispensing the fluidfrom the aperture in registration with the other protuberance.
 17. Thelid according to claim 12, wherein each of the apertures is provided ina corresponding recess provided on the body member and the correspondingrecesses are configured to receive a corresponding one of the pair ofprotuberances therein so as to allow depression thereof by the user,wherein the corresponding recesses have a generally circumferentialconfiguration.
 18. The lid according to claim 12, wherein a generallyelongated recess is provided on the body member and positioned betweenthe pair of corresponding recesses so as to allow stacking of aplurality of lids.
 19. The lid according to claim 12, wherein the valveincludes at least two side portions.